WEST CHESTER >> The Edgmont Planning Commission changed its location for the third time in consideration of interest by Runnymeade Farms residents. This time the session was held at Stetson Middle School in the West Chester School District.

Chairman Elmer “Chip” Miller stated the reason several times as the audience of more than 100 individuals scattered themselves in the auditorium. Responding to what reportedly had been complaints at moving out of the township, Miller said township officials had made a “Herculean” effort to find a venue that was not being used by local schools for traditional events such as spring plays. Miller said he did not want to choose a cafeteria, and wanted to assure satisfactory facilities and technology for all parties.

The portion of the meeting on development of Phase 7 of Runnymeade Farms by GMH Capital Partners lasted slightly more than an hour. Planners and project professionals appeared in agreement the bulk of information for 249 apartment units in four separate structures had been presented in full.

“We have filed our final land development plans and received comments from township professionals. I’m pleased to say there were no issues,” said project attorney Lou Colagreco.

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In particular, Colagreco said the fire marshal, sewage enforcement officer, township planning consultant and traffic engineer had sent “clean” letters, essentially meaning nothing stood out to which the development could not address. “We have one more round of clean up to do, but about 70 percent of the comments have been taken care of,” said Colagreco.

Among the issues raised by township Engineer Michael Conrad of Yerkes Associated was the calculation of open space required by ordinance for the PRD (Planned Residential Development). GMH was counting part of Runnymeade Drive, originally designed as a divided boulevard which had subsequently abandoned. Conrad noted the walking trail, matters concerning traffic signalization, storm water management and phasing of the project, all of which seemed to need resolution in the plan.

With about 30 minutes of discussion concluded, and parties satisfied at the status, Miller said, “We will see you back next month.”

“We are down to the nitty gritty. April might be more realistic,” Colagreco said.

But one party had not yet been heard from, and the public comment period began. Attorney Hugh Donaghue has been retained to represent Runnymeade Citizens United, an organized non-profit consisting of the individual Homeowners Association of the separate communities in Runnymeade Farms which total between 500 and 600 residents.

Donaghue’s presentation, including exhibits, focused on terms of the PRD format during original development in the 1970s. His contention was the developer was remiss in years of specified annual reports required by ordinance, and changes had been made in estimates of the total acreage as it related to open space.

While Colagreco said he would not enter into a debate at that time, he noted legal determinations would be made by township supervisors, which was reinforced by planners Solicitor Patrick McKenna. Colagreco said regardless of alterations made to plans more than four decades ago, no appeals were ever made.

Discourse deteriorated to some degree with other public comment by the only four residents who spoke. Nicholas Aponte who heads the Citizens United group, alleged Colagreco “threatened” newly elected Supervisor James Hallam regarding recusal when the plan came before that board. Hallam’s run for the office included, in large part, a firm stance against the GMH plan. Resident David Druckenmiller restated similar issues regarding Hallam. Colagreco, noting the “personal shot” made at him, said he had legally raised the matter of Hallam’s stance.

“There are ramifications of making comments,” Colagreco said of campaign rhetoric, “and one must avoid the appearance of bias.”

Finally Andy Jones of Cantor Village stated the essence of the ongoing disagreement on development.

“It’s an ethical question. Do the neighbors like this development? There is unanimous objection,” said Jones. “Use the property to build single family homes and it would alleviate most if not all of the objection.”

The plan will return in the coming months.

“Make sure the board of supervisors holds it at Springton Lake (Middle School) as hundreds will be there,” Aponte advised.